By Helen Thompson

Last updated 15:47, Wednesday, 19 November 2008

WHITEHAVEN mixed martial artist James St Leger picked up a win in his first ever bout at the weekend.

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The welter weight fighter, of Hybrid MMA, took on Carlisle’s Lee Richardson in an amateur contest at Cage Carnage II in Carlisle on Saturday.

The fight went into the third round where James managed to secure the win via guillotine choke.

Spokesman, Alex Cook, said: “James showed great composure and listened to his corner's instructions as if he was a seasoned professional. It was a good start fort the local lads.”

There were five other Whitehaven fighters on the card at the Hilltop Hotel show, promoted by Mark Hodgson of Hokushinko Martial Arts in Workington.

Lee Tyson kept the success coming, as he came away with a draw at lightweight against Darren Hughes.

Representing West Coast Top Team based at the West Coast Gym in Mirehouse, Lee still unbeaten in 3 bouts took this fight only two weeks after his last bout over in Newcastle.

Lee would like to thank L&G Taxis and Browns Bar for their sponsored support.

Philip Palmer, from Hensingham, was next up for his second fight this year, competing at a lighter weight this time of 77kg.

Palmer's increased fitness and ability was evident in this fight but his opponent Brad Kayne, was sharp in his Thai boxing skills and he took the judges’ decision after 10 minutes of hard work.

Derek Morris had his first lightweight fight for over a year against Doug Hope of Carlisle. Derek had trained really hard for the fight and got his just rewards.

After a scary start, where Hope landed a flying knee, Morris dominated the fight with a take-down, then finally getting the win with a submission combination.

Lee Bowes took his fight at short notice due to the pull out of another competitor. Originally pencilled in to fight Morris's opponent, Bowes was asked to fight for the lightweight title days before the show.

He accepted the challenge and weighed in at the class below, tipping the scales at 65kg, when his opponent weighed in at 70kg.

The fight was to and fro for three minutes until his opponent from team SUFA managed to dominate position and sink in a triangle choke for the win against the Hybrid lad.

A special mention must go to Alan Thompson who fought for the Cage Carnage Boxing Title against Stan Woods of Carlisle.

Woods, the much bigger opponent, was dropped by Thompson in the first but went on to win via referee's decision after four two-minute rounds of all out war.

Workington lads Dave Straughton and Carl Ward of Hokushinko were also unlucky in their bouts.

Cook added: “I would just like to say that all the fighters gave their absolute all. We could not have asked for anything more.

“Both I and Craig are very proud of what they have shown and that all the hard work has paid off.

“We have only just begun as a club, and you can expect great things to happen for these lads without doubt.”